Obituaries – Their Stories Live On

Mrs. Loretta Richmond Shellow, 101, of Beckley, WV gained her angel wings on Wednesday, May 6, 2020, at the Bowers Hospice House, Prosperity, WV.

Born September 1,1918 in Primrose, PA, she was the daughter of the late John Henry Richmond and Emmetta Richmond Carter.

Mrs. Shellow was the owner and operator of “Loretta’s” Beauty Salon for over 30 years. She was a faithful charter member of First Baptist Church, Lester, WV. While actively attending First Baptist she was a member of the Simmonites Choir and formerly served as church clerk under the pastorage of the late Rev. Elmer Day.

Loretta was a people person who never met a stranger. Always ready to greet you with her beautiful smile, she was a ‘big hit’ with the neighborhood kids in Lester. She loved to play yard games and Croquet was always a favorite, not only for them, but for her grandchildren as well.

She was active in many social endeavors; the Winding Gulf Baptist Convention, Stratton High School Reunion Committee, and the local chapter of the NAACP. She also volunteered at the McGuire Veterans Administration Medical Center in Richmond, VA.

Living on her own until the age of 97, Mrs. Loretta became a resident of Genesis Pine Lodge during her latter years. While there, she shared her love of God, her church, and her family with staff and residents alike. She made many friends during her time there and at 100 years, she amused the staff as she “strutted” past the Nurses station giving everyone a wave…”NO WHEELCHAIR FOR HER!”

When asked what contributed to her longevity, she would tell you, “My love of God, and a cold Dr. Pepper every day. She would make sure her granddaughter Rhonda always kept her from running out.

Other than her parents she was preceded in death by her son, James E. “Trap” Martin; brothers, James Richmond and Thomas Carter Sr.; sisters, Alice Morris Pannell, Gladys Moats and Willie Spencer Mankins: nephews, Dennis and Frankie Richmond and Thomas “David” Carter Jr.; niece, Shirley Morris Dorsey; great-grandson, Jarod Keith Thomas and granddaughter, Evangelist Drema Robertson.

She is survived by granddaughters, Jami (Rodney) Thomas of Orlando, FL, Debra (Carlton) Dozier, Charlotte, NC and Rhonda Martin and Rachelle Martin, both of Beckley; honorary “Grandson” Daniel (Lisa) Manning, Tampa, FL; great-grandchildren, Michael Robertson, Jamilah Martin-Lawson (Michael), Adonis (LaTasha) Martin, Alicea (Tyrone) Thompson, Bobby Manns, Dominique Dozier, Dana Thomas, RaQuelle English, and RaJon Staunton; great-great-grandchildren, Aniya, Triniti, Makiya, Tylia, Mariya, Brayden, and Tyrone; daughter-in-law, Delores Martin Robinson; her grandson-in-law, Cedric Robertson; nephews, William Carter and Greg Martin; nieces, Katie Carter, Doris Ann Martin and Loretta Gillyard and a host of great-nieces, great-nephews and extended family members.

Special thank you to the staff of Genesis Pine Lodge and the Bowers Hospice House for the loving care provided to our beloved “Granny”.

Rhonda, thank you for your untiring servitude to Granny - We love you, Your Sisters

Gran, I Hope You Dance!

Funeral service will be 12:00Noon Tuesday, May 12, 2020 at Heart of God Ministries 1703 S. Kanawha St. Beckley with Bishop Fred T. Simms officiating. Burial will follow in Blue Ridge Memorial Gardens, Prosperity. Email condolences to ritchie-johnson@suddenlinkmail.com.

Arrangements entrusted to Ritchie & Johnson Funeral Parlor, Beckley.